Chapter 1: The Emotional Impact of The Whale

Content can often stir deep emotions, and I found myself overwhelmed after watching The Whale. The theater was deserted, and the film's final scenes left me tearful. Despite mixed reviews, I was drawn in by the film's trailer and curious about Brendan Fraser's return to acting after a hiatus.

In this film, Fraser portrays Charlie, a 600-pound writing professor who conducts his online classes from his dimly lit and cluttered apartment in Idaho. He chooses to hide his appearance from his students, claiming the camera is broken. Yet, his character exudes warmth, humor, and humanity, illuminating his spirit despite the physical struggles he faces.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, known for his surreal and often shocking storytelling, The Whale elicited varied reactions from critics. Some felt that the film leaned too heavily on voyeurism, focusing on Charlie's obesity. Film critic Christy Lemire pointed out that the film aims to evoke sympathy for Charlie but often slips into morbid fascination. However, I found Fraser's performance moving, showcasing Charlie's humanity beneath his struggles.

The film delves into Charlie's efforts to reconnect with his estranged daughter while grappling with grief and mentoring his writing students. It was the themes of literature and writing that resonated most deeply with me.

In a pivotal moment, Charlie grows frustrated with his students' superficial essays and sends an urgent email:

"Just write me something honest."

In today's world, creating genuine work is increasingly challenging. The pressure of algorithms and the desire for public approval often lead creatives to sanitize their art. The pursuit of safety and popularity often yields little substance.

All the things I had suppressed...

I often seek to understand the writers behind impactful films. Samuel D. Hunter, the playwright and screenwriter of The Whale, originally crafted the story for personal reflection. In an essay for the Los Angeles Times, he expressed:

“Maybe keeping it to myself would allow me to put some personal stuff on the line that I’d previously been too scared or too embarrassed to access in my plays.”

At the time, Hunter was teaching essay writing at a public university, grappling with the conflict between his creative work and the detached style he was teaching. Fed up with bland analyses, he urged his students, akin to Charlie's plea:

“Just write something honest. Don’t worry about crafting a perfect essay. Share your true thoughts.”

One student's raw honesty resonated deeply, reflecting the transformative power of authenticity.

Chapter 2: The Journey of Honesty in Art

The first video titled 4 DEEP Messages In 'The Whale' You Might've Missed | Film Analysis dives into the intricate themes woven throughout the film. It explores how these messages can profoundly affect the viewer's understanding and emotional response.

The second video, The Whale Emotionally Wrecked Me!, captures the raw feelings evoked by the film and discusses its emotional impact on audiences.

Hunter eventually shared his draft of The Whale with his agent, leading to its production at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and later at Playwrights Horizons. The resonance of honest work often connects with those yearning for authenticity.

A remarkable twist unfolded when Hunter learned that Darren Aronofsky had seen the play and wished to meet him. The play's adaptation took another decade, but it ultimately brought The Whale to life on screen, revitalizing Brendan Fraser's career and earning him an Academy Award.

The call for authenticity in storytelling is stronger than ever.

Chapter 3: Embracing Truth in Writing

Through my writing, I've frequently reflected on my late father, John B. Weiss, a man of many talents who taught me invaluable lessons on kindness and integrity. My most impactful essays about him stem from an honest place, revealing the power of genuine storytelling.

Each time I consider writing for popularity, I remind myself of Hunter's mantra:

"Maybe I should just write something honest."

In an age of superficiality, readers crave truth. During my university years, I visited my father at his office in San Francisco, where we shared meals and conversations about life's important matters.

The digital landscape may favor clickbait, but the world longs for sincerity and substance. If you are a creative, embrace honesty in your work. It may be daunting, but it can lead to your most profound creations.

As critic Vaughn Swearingen eloquently noted, confronting our truths can be one of the hardest challenges. Yet, this honesty is vital for personal growth and authentic expression.

Ultimately, my advice is to face your fears and produce the most truthful work you can, much like Samuel D. Hunter. Create with authenticity, and you may find that your audience connects with your work on a deeper level.

Just write something honest, and the rest will follow.

(First published here)